Olukoyede Seeks Greater Involvement of Nigerians in Tackling Internet Fraud

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr .Ola Olukoyede has charged Nigerians to show stronger commitment towards the fight against internet fraud.

He gave the charge at a Security Summit in the Oju Local Government Area of Benue State on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Speaking on the topic, “Social and Legal Implications of Cybercrimes in Nigeria”, he called on all stakeholders in the anti-graft fight to be more focused, determined and patriotic in breaking the siege of internet fraud on the nation.

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Olukoyede, who spoke through the Zonal Director, Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Commission, Commander of the EFCC, CE Anselem Ozioko, stressed that cybercrimes have become monstrous threats to the growth and development of the nation and requires the involvement of every reform-minded Nigerian to tackle them. ” The dangers posed to our development by cybercrimes have made it necessary for all citizens to continually lend their voices against the scourge”.

Cybercrimes have become a severe menace that we cannot deny, ignore or wish away. Individuals, groups and nations continue to count their losses to these crimes”, he said.

Decrying the rising indulgence of youths in the fraud, Olukoyede stated that “it is undeniable that youths involvement in these crimes is alarming and worrisome”. 2328 cases of cybercrimes occur daily globally with financial losses to hit £10.5 trillion by 2035. Cybercrimes portend a manifest and present danger to everyone in the global community”.

Continuing, the EFCC’s boss explained “this reality strokes EFCC’s fight against cybercrimes, we are not only analyzing the problem , we are fighting the scourge by enforcing the laws against it and aggregating workable solutions through the Cybercrime Prohibition Prevention Etc, Act 2016, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 and the Money Laundering ( Prohibition, Prevention Act 2022 as well as through institutional policies and administrative framework”,

“In line with the corruption prevention mandate of the commission, the EFCC has established a Cybercrime Response Desk to receive and process real time information on suspected cybercrimes for immediate enforcement action, this initiative will help in reducing incidences of cybercrimes and possible loss of money by victims. I wish to appeal to the conscience of parents, opinion leaders across the country to regard the fight against cybercrime as an urgent and compelling warfare. We must all join hands to tackle the hydra-headed monster which cybercrime has become”, he said.

Other speakers at the Summit are: Major General M.K.Gara, and Dr. Nka Obi’Bisong, State Director, Department of State Services, DSS. The Summit was facilitated by Hon. David Agada Ogewu, member representing Oju/ Obi Federal Constituency, Benue State.